September is Sexual Health Awareness Month, and it is a good reason to do something most of us put off: get a sexual health checkup. At DUG Health, we make that easy. Our seven Florida clinics offer free HIV testing, low-cost STD screening, and judgment-free care, whether or not you have insurance.
This guide explains what the month is about, what a screening includes, who should get tested, what it costs, and where to find us in your city. If you only read one line, make it this one: most sexually transmitted infections have no symptoms, so testing is the only way to know.
September at a glance
Sexual Health Awareness Month is promoted by the American Sexual Health Association as a time to talk openly about sexual health and wellbeing. Several related observances fall in the same month.
Why a sexual health checkup matters
STIs are common, and they are treatable. The CDC reported about 2.2 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in the United States in 2024. That total has dropped for three years in a row, which shows that testing and treatment work.
There is still work to do. Congenital syphilis, which passes from a pregnant parent to a baby, rose for the 12th year in a row, with nearly 4,000 cases reported nationally in 2024. Almost every one of those cases can be prevented with timely testing and treatment during pregnancy.
No symptoms does not mean no infection
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV can all be present without any signs. You can feel completely healthy and still have an infection that could affect your health or pass to a partner. A quick test gives you a real answer.
What a sexual health screening at DUG includes
Your provider will recommend tests based on your history and what you are comfortable sharing. Our full-panel HIV and STD testing can include:
Rapid HIV test
A simple finger prick with results while you wait. Free at DUG.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea
A urine sample or a quick swab. Throat and rectal swabs are available when needed.
Syphilis
A blood test. Recommended for many sexually active adults and during pregnancy.
Hepatitis B and C
Blood tests that protect your long-term liver health.
Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2)
Available on request or when you have symptoms that need checking.
A private conversation
Time with a provider to ask questions about prevention, PrEP, or anything else on your mind.
If you had a possible exposure recently, timing matters. Some tests need a few weeks before they can detect an infection. Our guide to the HIV testing window period explains when to test so your result is accurate.
Who should get tested, and how often
The CDC offers clear screening guidance. Use this as a starting point, then talk to your provider about what fits your life.
You do not need a reason beyond wanting peace of mind. Many people come in simply because it has been a while since their last test.
What it costs
You do not need insurance to be seen at DUG. Here is how pricing works today, based on our self-pay pricing page:
- HIV test: free.
- Comprehensive STD testing with exam: $190 self-pay.
- Insurance: all major plans accepted.
- Help with costs: select services may be free for eligible patients, and co-pay or premium assistance may be available. Ask our team before your visit.
Find a screening near you: city by city
All seven DUG clinics welcome walk-ins and offer confidential HIV and STD testing. You can also book online or call (877) 384-6337.
Miami
6209 NW 18th Ave, Miami, FL 33147
Mon to Fri, 8 AM to 4 PM
Free and low-cost HIV and STD testing, PrEP and PEP. Visit the Miami clinic page.
Hialeah
2150 W 76th Street, Suite 100, Hialeah, FL 33016
Mon to Fri, 9 AM to 5 PM
Free and low-cost HIV and STD testing, PrEP and PEP. Visit the Hialeah clinic page.
Miami Springs
5245 NW 36th Street, STE 5257, Miami Springs, FL 33166
Mon to Fri, 8 AM to 4 PM
Free and low-cost HIV and STD testing, PrEP and PEP.
Dania Beach
323 S Federal Hwy, Suite 329, Dania Beach, FL 33004
Mon to Fri, 8 AM to 4 PM
HIV and STD testing, PrEP and PEP, primary care.
Orlando
3300 W Colonial Dr, Suite 143, Orlando, FL 32808
Mon to Fri, 9 AM to 5 PM
Confidential testing, same-day appointments often available. Visit the Orlando clinic page.
Tallahassee
2650 Municipal Way, Tallahassee, FL 32304
Mon to Fri, 9 AM to 5 PM
Free and low-cost HIV and STD testing, PrEP and PEP.
Milton
6044 Doctors Park, Milton, FL 32570
Mon to Fri, 8 AM to 4 PM
HIV and STD testing, PrEP and PEP, primary care.
Not sure which location is closest? Visit Find a Clinic or see the full list of areas we cover. Telehealth visits are also available statewide.
Prevention goes beyond testing
A screening visit is also a good time to talk about staying protected. DUG offers PrEP, PEP, and DoxyPEP with counseling and follow-up care.
PrEP
A prescription medicine taken before possible exposure to lower your risk of getting HIV.
PEP
Emergency medicine started within 72 hours after a possible HIV exposure.
DoxyPEP
An antibiotic taken within 72 hours after sex that can lower the chance of some bacterial STIs for certain people.
Not sure which one fits you? Our guide to PEP vs PrEP vs DoxyPEP compares all three side by side.
Getting tested is not a statement about your choices. It is a routine part of taking care of your health, just like checking your blood pressure.
Learn more this month
All September, we are publishing plain-language guides on the most common STIs. Start with chlamydia symptoms in men and women, then read about gonorrhea symptoms and treatment and syphilis in Florida. For a look back at our June testing push, see our National HIV Testing Day recap.
How to plan your visit
Step 1
Choose a clinic
Pick the location closest to you, or book a telehealth consult if you have questions first.
Step 2
Walk in or book
Walk-ins are welcome. Booking ahead can shorten your wait.
Step 3
Get tested privately
Most tests take a finger prick, a urine sample, or a quick swab.
Step 4
Get your results
Rapid HIV results come before you leave. Full panels usually come back in 2 to 3 days, and we contact you securely.
If a result is positive, you are not alone. We connect you to treatment, counseling, and support right away. Most STIs are curable, and HIV is a manageable condition with today’s care.
Frequently asked questions
Sexual Health Awareness Month is observed every September in the United States. It encourages open conversations about sexual health, regular testing, and prevention.
HIV testing at DUG is free. Comprehensive STD testing with an exam is $190 self-pay, and select services may be free for eligible patients. Call (877) 384-6337 to ask what you qualify for.
No. DUG serves everyone regardless of insurance status. We also accept all major insurance plans.
Rapid HIV results can be ready in as little as 20 minutes. Lab-based STD tests usually take 2 to 3 business days.
Yes. We follow strict HIPAA privacy rules, and your results are shared only with you.
It depends on your age, partners, and health history. Many sexually active adults benefit from yearly testing, and some people need testing every 3 to 6 months. Your provider can help you decide.
Reserve a screening at your nearest DUG clinic
Free HIV testing, low-cost STD screening, and no insurance required. Walk in, call (877) 384-6337, or book online.
Medical disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a licensed clinician for personal health concerns.
References
External links are limited to government health sources and open in a new tab.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance, 2024 (Provisional). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Getting Tested for STIs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Doxy-PEP. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- HIV Awareness Days. HIV.gov, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- September Awareness Days. American Sexual Health Association.
- Sexual Health Awareness Month resources. National Coalition for Sexual Health.